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The best part of August is not the lingering summer afternoons, the barbeques, or the lazy days at the beach - it's the back to school shopping! Stores everywhere are bustling and brimming with new fall stock and I for one cannot wait! This season, my hot picks go casual cool style with soft cardigans, natural fabrics like feathers and suede, earth tones, unique detailing like lace, ruffles, or decorative draping, and grey grey grey. A light heather grey is my key colour for fall: it matches with everything, provides a softer contrast to bright colours than white, and isn't as serious as black.

Back to School Girl's edition
Back to School Girl's edition

However, shopping for back-to-school basics shouldn't mean busting your bank account - you already have enough spending to do on books, supplies, and if you're in college, tuition. There are great deals to be found if you pay attention: look for sale signs (avoid any deals offering less than 40% off or 2-for-1s, those are generally scams that get you to buy more than intended), make a focused list of your must-have items and stick to it, bring a friend who will talk reason into you when you contemplate something crazy, and troll your fav online stores (sometimes there are web exclusive deals not found in stores). Happy shopping and stay tuned for Back to School for $100: Guy's edtion!


Back to School Girl's edition

  • Urban Outfitter's BDG Double Stripe cardigan
  • PAPER DENIM & CLOTH Jayne in 1 Year jeans
  • UrbanOutfitters's Silence & Noise Brushed Cape
  • Tokidoki Striped Short-Sleeved Hoodie
  • UrbanOutfitters's Preppie Cord Blazer
  • Banana Republic Silk long floral-print scarf
  • UrbanOutfitters's Caulfield Messanger Bag
  • Urban Outfitter's Granny satchel
  • AsiaJam's Hello Kitty Vespa Soft Cotton T-Shirt
  • Urban Outfitter's Reuse Me tote
  • AsiaJam's Victorian Lace Insert Tunic Blouse Top
  • AsiaJam's Sporty Stripe Applique Sneaker Wedges
  • UrbanOutfitters's Fairy Tales Are True Feather Skimmer
  • J BRAND 18" Boot in Lapis

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Previously I covered cheap back to school essentials for girl's. Well, this time it's the guy's turn. Since guys love comfortable clothes, I tried to choose picks that were stylish, versatile, and comfortable. Oh yeah, and cheap! An important tip for guys is to have more fun with your clothes: experiment! Choose items with colour, patterns, and contrast.

Back to School
Back to School for $100: guy's edition

It's not as hard to mix and match as you think, and a little will go a long way to making you stand out. Cool graphic tees, like the Thelonius Monk one for you soul lovers, make a statement and look great under a timeless black blazer. When the weather gets colder, just replace the graphic tee with a sweater. Again, grey is my choice colour this season for guys as well as gals: check out the dark grey cardigan and the faded grey denim jeans. The grey denim especially is very fashion-forward, plus grey is like black: it goes with everything. So see guys, you can take a risk with your wardrobe with just a few small changes and you'll still have money left over for the latest version of Guitar Hero!


Back to School for $100: guy's edition

  • Gap Fitted brown plaid shirt
  • A. Tiziano's Sly Track Jacket (reversible)
  • Shades of Greige's Jersey Cardigan in Skinny Grey/Black Stripe
  • The Smooth Company's Mella Button Up in Navy
  • Gap Pinstriped vest
  • Gap Classic blazer
  • The North Face DJ bag
  • Friend or Foe's Action Thelonious Monk graphic tee
  • Broken English's Construck in Blue graphic tee
  • Adidas' The Campus II+ Suede Sneaker
  • Supra The Ryder Mid Sneaker
  • Supra The Black & Gold Cali Vulk Sneaker
  • LRG The So Fresh and So Clean Straight Root Fit Jean
  • Triko's The Black Rain Denim
  • GOOD SOCIETY's Straight in Alvin

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I've been reminded recently by a friend that I haven't done a trip update in awhile! My apologies readers! The Internet situation in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore was terrible! KL the Internet was literally slower than dial-up at times, and Singapore it was coin paid, so being cheap, I only used Internet for essential emails and facebook time!

Old Navy sandals
Old Navy sandals

In my last post, worries of political turmoil and airline shut-downs were looming, but luckily by the time we were to fly out the airports were back in business! In contrast to Bangkok, KL was much more orderly, cleaner, and modern. KL seems like a great place to live what with its awesome shopping and super cheap food. One can feast like an emperor everyday for literally only a couple bucks! Luckily I did lots of mall and street walking to work it off. Every mall in KL seemed to be at least 5 floors. Pavilion Mall was the best mall for luxury goods: Chanel, Gucci, Tod's, LV, Coach, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Dior, and so forth and so forth. Plus, when your feet need a rest, just head down to the bottom floor of Pavilion for some great food court eats. Unlike Thailand, there is no street vendors and in replacement, the food courts are your next best bet for cheap, authentic eats. We ate at a food court almost everyday! For restaurants, check out Madame Kwan's for Malaysian eats, and Hakka restaurant, which serves Hakka-style Chinese food. Being half-Hakka myself, I was really excited to eat at an actual Hakka restaurant, but oddly enough I didn't recognize any of the dishes! KL is also really cool because it is very multicultural. Everyone seems to be able to speak at least 2 languages and signs are all in English, Malay, Chinese, and Tamil. The only downsides of KL was the tourist sites, which were often all hype and no substance.

After a few days in Malaysia it was time to bus to Singapore. Our hostel had told us that our bus would pick us up at our hostel, but when the time came, a random woman from the bus company picked us up in her car, drove madly through KL rush-hour and dropped us off at the bus depot with a man who didn't seem to speak English, who then shooed us like chickens into the packed bus station and pushed us onto the closest bus. Was it the right bus? We had no idea as everyone on board was a local and our bus driver appeared to be mute. Our only reassurance was the words Singapore on the side of the bus. 6 hours of non-air conditioned driving later, we arrived sweaty and breathless in Singapore. The humidity there is thick! Still, it was less hot than Chiang Mai surprisingly and our room at the YMCA was the nicest we'd been in thus far. I had high hopes for Singapore, but they were all dashed. My hopes had been for good eats, cheap shopping, and cool sights. However the reality was expensive food, even more expensive shopping, and lame sights. If you head to Singapore, don't even think of heading to Sentosa Island, Singapore's "tourism hot spot" - it is a black hole which you cannot escape from without spending at least over 100 dollars. The only thing lamer than Sentosa was KL's Sunway Lagoon amusement park. However, Singapore is as clean and safe as they say, and having everything in English is really nice break from constantly being "lost in translation".

Currently I'm in my cozy hostel in Taipei after having survived my first typhoon! Yes, first there was political unrest, now a tropical storm. What next?! Taipei has been pretty cool thus far and I'm looking forward to spending my last week in Asia here eating, shopping, and taking in the sights. The good side of the typhoon was that I got to socialize more than I have the entire trip by hanging out with everyone at the hostel. I'm also looking forward to forging out on my own this week since my travel buddy has decided to split paths from me in Taiwan. Reasons why we split is something I don't want to get into on a public blog, but 4 weeks alone with one person who isn't your boyfriend is very tiring. Ah well, our room was too tiny for both of us anyways! So far in my time here I've gone up Taipei 101, one of the world's tallest buildings (FYI Taiwan, but Toronto's CN Tower is still taller! Take that bitches!!) and shopped at the luxury malls at its base; I've eaten pig's ear and done Japanese buffet; and ran across flooded streets to various Taoist temples! I've also gotten tons of confused looks from locals, which is still kinda odd. Understandably I can see them being confused by a Chinese person who speaks perfect English instead of Mandarin, but even when I'm just walking around I often see people, old men especially, looking at me funny. Perhaps I have a huge spaghetti stain on my stomach? Maybe it's because they aren't sure what I am... even one of my fellow hostelers thought I was Jewish! Oy vey.

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In my dreams, I am sitting in a hammock tied between two tall lush palm trees, typing blog posts on my laptop while listening to the music of ocean waves crashing on the gold sand beach. The air is lush with the smell of plumeria and jasmine, and a cool sea breeze wafts across my bare legs. Aaah, if only paradise were so close. Until the day that dream can be realized, I'll have to make do with products that remind me of beautiful tropical places like Hawaii, such as The Body Shop's Miracle Monoi Oil.

Miracle Monoi Oil
Miracle Monoi Oil

This lush smelling oil is a multi-purpose spa treatment: body oil, bath and massage oil, plus hair oil treatment all in one! Based on Polynesian women traditions, this lightweight oil contains Monoi de Tahiti, a powerful potion of coconut, gardenia and jasmine flowers. It also contains Babassu oil from Brazil, a moisturizing ingredient derived from the rare babassu palm. Add a few skin quenching drops to your bath, or rub it into the skin post-shower, to soften even the most parched of skins. Alternatively, you could also use it as a conditioning hair treatment by rubbing into ends and leaving on overnight.

Since the ends of my hair are often crying for a little TLC, I usually use this as a leave-in hair treatment overnight once a week. The oil is very slick so spread evenly on hands before applying. For my shoulder-length fine hair, I used several quarter sized doses of this oil, since once it hits your hair it becomes somewhat hard to distribute evenly; however, I like to be generous with my conditioners, so if you're only looking to treat your ends you can afford to skimp a little. Comb through after application to evenly distribute the oil along your strands. After application, my hair was so well lubed, it looked like I hadn't washed it for a couple weeks! After a good night's rest, it was into the shower to wash it all out. You really need to do a good shampoo to get the oil out, and even post-washing, my hair still felt slightly greasy. However, after a couple treatments there is definitely a noticeable difference: my hair felt softer, smoother, and the oil left my strands smelling like plumeria, which if you haven't smelt that before, is a gorgeously fresh scent. As a side benefit, your hands will also feel softer just from applying this product to your hair!

Final Verdict: a great moisturizing agent for skin and hair. Lush tropical scent that leaves you feeling like an exotic princess. Definitely purchase!

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During my travels I visited many a Prada store. Visiting luxury malls is a sadistic pleasure for me: I get so much enjoyment out of gawking over items and imagining myself in 10 different outfits with the item in question, yet I cannot actually attain any of them! Ohh the pain. One such item that tortured me endlessly throughout my SE Asia trip was this Prada wallet.

Prada wallet
Prada wallet

Featuring the classic Prada logo in silver and luxurious Nappa leather, this wallet/clutch is simply beautiful. It comes in 4 different shades, but I preferred the sophisticated "antique mordore" colour for its versatility and trendiness. The ruching and slightly metallic sheen to the wallet elevates this item from boring minimalism to cool classic. Its size is also great as it is not so big as to become a dreaded pit clinger; however it could stand to be a bit wider - I seriously doubt being able to fit essentials like a cell phone inside it. Nevertheless, the Prada wallet is a great investment.

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I have never been a fan of dolls. Paper dolls were too flimsy and gave paper cuts. Barbies were boring and their boobs were scary. Cabbage patch dolls smelled funny. For me, it was all about the ponies. Now, I'm also not a fan of real horses as my childhood self thought they were too stinky, not cute, and may involve getting my shoes dirty (I was a very meticulous child!), but the My Little Pony toys I could easily fall in love with. My Little Ponies are cute, colorful, and just big enough to be substantial, yet easily fit into a kiddie-sized overall pocket. One day, my massive pony collection will be handed down tenderly to my future daughter(s). Given that they've proven themselves worthy of course.

Hasbro has created the "My Little Pony Project: 25 ponies for 25 years." This program features ponies designed by real designers, artists, and celebrities to support the Give Kids The World Village program, a non-profit organization that helps terminally ill children. The ponies designed through this project will be auctioned off in NYC with partial proceeds going to the charity. You can find out more details about the project here.

My Little Pony
My Little Pony

I'm so hooood! Doesn't this pony remind you of that song by DJ Khaled? You don't want to mess with this pony in a dark alley. Design by Claw Money.

I had a blue pony just like this one, without the board shorts and surf board. Mine however would have looked even more kick-ass in this outfit since he had a neon green mohawk, a tatoo on his ass, and went by the name of "Beau". Design by John Stamos (Uncle Jesse!)

I love how Kimora's pony resembles her: big hair, big bling, too much makeup. Someone explain why her hooves are so dirty?! All us high-maintenance chicks know that is such a no-no. Design by Kimora Lee Simmons.

The pony is certainly too 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse for me, but I love the freaky bunny!! He's just so cute and evil! Design by Superdeux.

The best for last. Purple is certainly one of the girliest of colours, plus big sparkly stars, and long wavy locks? I think secretly we girls wish we could be half as rock-star cool as this pony in real life. Design by Twinkle Hope.

Note: I would like to thank the unnamed blog(s) that I first found out about this story from. Unfortunately, due to jetlag, I cannot remember which one it was! Apologies.

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MAC products are a common favourite among makeup artists, makeup enthusiasts, and women in general. Their products are always high quality and long-lasting. Recently I've found myself staring longingly at one of my local mall's MAC display sets for their limited edition Sonic Chic line. This capsule set of baked mineralized blushes promises to carve cheekbones out of even the most doughy of faces.

Sonic Chic Mineralize blushes
Sonic Chic Mineralize blushes

At first glances, the price is a bit much, especially considering the size and plainness of the compact. There are no brushes, mirrors, or fanciful details here, only straight-up colour. However, the blush comes in a domed, not flat, compact allowing your brush to pick up more colour and for the compact itself to contain more blush bang for your 25 bucks. The reviews on MUA rave all about the line, which you can see in its full range of shades below:

The only complaints I've heard about this product is that it goes on sheer, but then remember people these are mineral blushes! Minerals in general go on very light I am told, so buyer beware as always.

The best shade for lighter skin tones wanting that Jane Austen porcelain skin and English rose glow (see: Kate Winslet) should check out Dainty (see above: top left) although currently it's sold out! For those with medium to olive skin tones, I recommend Nuance (above: top right) which is a more peachy-gold colour that would look great for summer if you don't enjoy the orangeness of bronzers. Finally, winter calls for a deeper flush, so if you're looking ahead for next season's blush must-have, I say give Merrily a try with its rose red tones and pearlized gold finish.

Have you tried out the Sonic Chic Mineralize blushes? Tell me what you thought in the comments!

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I did not buy this product, but used it when I worked at a retail store in the mall. Working in retail, where the mall air is continuously air-conditioned, and the constant rubbing of clothes and jeans against skin, can really do a number on your hands. Not only do you tend to develop brittle nails, but you also get very dry skin! The solution by my store was to purchase a store moisturizer, namely The Body Shop's Hemp Hand Protector. This smallish moisturizer comes in a shiny, silver, easy to handle, hard to lose tube. There are never enough products that come in toothpaste shaped tubes - it's so much more versatile and handy! The only downside with the packaging is that it didn't come with a flip-top lid, which would make application virtually one-handed! Someone had better remember me for this revolutionary idea when flip-top moisturizers become huge! Besides the packaging, this moisturizer is jammed pack with uber moisturizing ingredients: the main one being hemp, which reportedly contains tons of essential fatty acids that help restore the skin's moisture barrier and promotes smoothness and suppleness; ilantoin, a mineral-rich ingredient to revitalize; lanolin, another natural moisturizer; panthenol, which helps strengthen nails to reduce flaking and breakage; and glycerin, another common moisturizing agent.

Review: The Body Shop's Hemp Hand Protector
Review: The Body Shop's Hemp Hand Protector

A teeny pea-sized dollop is all that's needed to coat both your hands as this lotion is very thick. Upon application, one can immediately feel the effects in the form of a fresh tingling sensation on the skin. However, you really have to rub this lotion in, as it leaves an almost waxy coating on your skin. Plus, the hugest downside to this product is its overpowering smell. Apply only if your hands are seriously parched because you will smell like a combination of Vick's Vapor Rub and weed for the rest of the day, no joke. However, I tend to enjoy both those smells, so the strong scent was tolerable!

Review: The Body Shop's Hemp Hand Protector
Review: The Body Shop's Hemp Hand Protector

Final Verdict: an effective superhero of a moisturizer that is way too cheap for its quality, however it has a really stinky smell. Apply with caution.

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If anyone were to ask (and sadly nobody does) what were my fav fashion icons, Gwen Stefani would definitely be one of them. She is always perfectly done in her clothes, accessories, hair and makeup. I bet that girl could even make jogging in sweats look fab.

L.A.M.B Taffeta Dress
L.A.M.B Taffeta Dress

I also like that she wears a lot of the items in her line - it's not a requirement that designer wear only their designs, but it's definitely a good endorsement! Though most items from LAMB are beyond my financial means, this great Taffeta dress in Plaid Taffeta is somewhat obtainable for me.

This is a great dress for fall when paired with some no-nonsense black leather boots and a hot trench. I also lust for how this dress makes such a boring plaid print interesting with the drawstring collar and cumberband style tie. What do you think - buy or bleh?

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Vitamin C Energizing Face Spritze
Vitamin C Energizing Face Spritze

Hot summer afternoons and baked still air at night, can really make your face melt. Despite the usual media images of glowing sun-kissed faces, summer sunshine can actually make your face sweaty and seriously lacking in glow.

Vitamin C Energizing Face Spritze
Vitamin C Energizing Face Spritze

In steps The Body Shop's Vitamin C Face Spritzer to the rescue! This little orange bottle could be your ultimate summer pick-me-up with its energizing mix of vitamin C and B5, orange and grapefruit oils, and glycerin, that promises to encourage collagen production, lock in moisture, and protect against urban pollutants that dull skin. According to the salesgirl, the spray goes on lightly, but tingles refreshingly on the skin while delivering a clean fruity scent. Sounds tasty!

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I love seeing the juxtaposition of styles: it's unexpected, interesting, and always fresh - it is also tricky. For this edition of How Do You Wear It, Lisa and I take on this patent belt from ModCloth.com shown above. You can see her stylings of the belt in blue here. For myself, I felt I wanted to try to juxtapose the girlishness of the belt with items a bit more modern and urban. Here is what I came up with:

And now, here is the outfit broken down:

Strutt Bubble Skirt in Blue
Strutt Bubble Skirt in Blue

When thinking of modern, what immediately comes to mind is jumpsuits and bubble hems and this jumper from Revolve Clothing embodies both! This dark blue jumper features a major bubble hem, button fly, fully lined skirt, and major attitude. I didn't actually like jumpers before, but this one made me change my mind.

Forever 21 Satin Stripe Blouse
Forever 21 Satin Stripe Blouse

Since this outfit is so oversized and extreme, what with the bulging bubble hem, the oversized belt, and the crazy strapped gladiators, it needed at least one item to show some restraint. This simple satin blouse from Forever 21 accomplishes just that with its subtle ruching and basic v-shaped neckline.

Jeffrey Campbell 'Camp' sandal5
Jeffrey Campbell 'Camp' sandal5

To add even more modern grit with this outfit, step into these killer sandals from Nordstrom. These gladiators on speed feature an easy to use zipper back and a kick-ass platform heel. Fierce!

Coach Pierced Signature Bangle
Coach Pierced Signature Bangle

Coach Miranda Earrings
Coach Miranda Earrings

Finally of course, we have the bling. Green and gold is such a beautiful combination, as the warmth of gold is a great contrast to the coolness of greens. Since the belt itself draws so much attention, an abundance of jewellry would be overkill, so try to keep things to a minimum by only choosing one of these two items. However, I would hardly blame you if you chose to wear both! The bangle is substantial enough to balance the graphic strength of the belt, whereas the earrings draw subtle attention to the face. Both items feature Coach's 'C' logo, but here the logo gives the pieces a slightly urban bohemian feel, as if you could have just as easily bought them at a craftfair.

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Beauty products are usually divided between two camps: the scientific, and the naturopathic. For those erring on the more scientific spectrum of beauty, B. Kamins is the line for you. Founded by Canadian scientist Ben Kaminsky, B. Kamins seeks to "bridge the gap between the physicians office and traditional cosmetics treatments". In particular, the line is aimed directly to treat those with skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and dry skin; however, their products may also be used by those not affected. B. Kamins prides itself on producing products of the highest quality and standards, with the credibility of science to prove the effectiveness of their ingredients.

B. Kamins Vegetable Skin Cleanser
B. Kamins Vegetable Skin Cleanser

The Vegetable Skin Cleanser features one of B. Kamins star ingredients: Bio Maple. Bio Maple is a pure compound extracted from the sap of maple trees and is believed to do three key things:

  • Rehydrate and repair skin damaged by environmental stresses and the effects of aging.
  • Exfoliate with its mixture of AHA and antioxidants to reveal fresher, new skin.
  • Cleanse gently by maintaining a pH level similar to the skin's natural pH. Maintaining the proper pH balance of the skin helps to combat and prevent bacteria, which can cause breakouts.

Besides Bio Maple, this cleanser also contains a veritable salad of powerful, yet gentle, cleansing agents such as almond, soy, and corn, which are just a few of the major ingredients.

B. Kamins Vegetable Skin Cleanser
B. Kamins Vegetable Skin Cleanser

Upon using this product, my first complaint with this cleanser is its dispenser. I am really beginning to hate pump dispensers. As with other pump dispensers, this one is ridiculously stingy! To wash my tiny nose alone, it required at least 3 pumps. Perhaps this is a problem with the size of my bottle (2 fl.oz) and the regular size (8 fl. oz) would have a properly working pump - however, that's not my problem and all theirs. For shame on the package engineers working at B. Kamins! My second complaint is more of a discomfort as I am utterly unused to a non-foaming cleanser. Foaming cleansers are certainly the norm on the market, but for those with sensitive/dry or mature skin, non-foaming cleansers are actually the way to go as the foam leeches out moisture while it washes. The Veggie cleanser slicks on like oil and foams about as much, but it does seem to cleanse effectively. Post-wash my skin felt fresh with little residue (as tested by my toner-soaked cotton ball) and felt slightly soft, without that stretched, just cleaned, feel. I also smelt faintly of celery.

Final Verdict: this product is great for those looking for a gentle, yet thorough approach. Definitely worth the price.

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A very interesting blog post via Daily Beauty Reporter at Allure.com talks about the "male bikini wax" trend. Apparently, this trend is spearheaded by hip-hop heavyweights Puff Daddy a.k.a P. Diddy a.k.a Diddy a.k.a who the hell cares, and Jay-Z. Jay-Z?! I cannot believe Hova would get his bush whacked!!! Puffy, I could believe, as he strikes me as a uber metro pansy anyways.

However, it would seem that they are not the only ones doing some moderate to extreme trimming. A quick google search on "male brazilian wax" turned up loads of hits, including a hilarious article from the Globe & Mail. So why are men choosing to go bare? One word: sex. The ladies love it! Plus, many men believe that the minimized hairiness emphasizes certain, other, things. You figure it out.

Personally, once you pick yourself off the floor from laughing at the image of a crying man getting a brazilian by a tiny ferocious Asian spa therapist, the idea does make some sense. After all, women can appreciate it for the same reasons men like women who wax. And why shouldn't guys have to suffer for beauty the same as women do?! We submit our bodies to all kinds of perverse torture to look good, and then screw our bodies up even more by pumping out babies! In fact, I think that all men should have to endure a brazilian, a FULL brazilian, just to get a glimpse of what it's like to be a woman. Then they can go grab US a beer and a sandwich - we'll see how they like that too. Man, I'm in such a feminist rage right now.

What do you all think? Ladies - do you like a clean shaven man? Men - would you dare to wax?

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Want to know how to make this little Asian girl melt like a McD's vanilla ice cream cone on a hot summer day? Give her the sumptuous dresses from Dolce & Gabbana's Spring/Summer collection. I know it's way past when this one debuted, but I saw an ad for it today in a magazine and since then my eyes could not stop feasting upon this collection, particularly the artfully decorated gowns above. This season's collection was extraordinary, a literal buffet for the eyes. The colours and the flow of the fabrics were beautiful. The edginess of the strewn paint across fabric made it look like the models were wearing canvasses instead of dresses. The collection was both old-fashioned romantic, and modern neon bright. The puffier and brighter the gowns became, the more the fantasy grew. May the dream never end.

The Entire Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer collection
The Entire Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer collection

The Entire Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer collection
The Entire Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer collection

The Entire Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer collection
The Entire Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer collection

The Entire Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer collection
The Entire Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer collection

Can't get enough?

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I am a true follower of the belief that love is pain when it comes to fancy footwear. Inevitably, the hottest shoes are the most uncomfortable, or are they? In a recent post on The Budget Babe, she blogs about a line of shoes called White Mountain that are affordable, comfortable, AND stylish. How is this possible?! I had to investigate.

Well, her claim was not entirely true. A lot of the line's offerings were ho-hum and matronly, not to mention that they have such a horrible website I dare not give it mention. However, there are a few gems in the rough and they were all highly recommended by the user reviews for the 2 C's of comfiness and chicness:

Natasha gladiators in Bronze
Natasha gladiators in Bronze

These lovely totally wearable gladiators are a steal from Piperlime. Featuring a slight heel, breezy straps, and cushioned bottom, it is entirely believable that actual gladiators could have worn these back in the day.

Leather Slingbacks with Top stitching in Camel
Leather Slingbacks with Top stitching in Camel

These shoes may look a bit Momish here, but they totally kicked ass in the Budget Babe's post. I loved the soothing versatility of its colour as well as the modest lady-likeness of the 1.5" heel. The top stitching and tiny cut-outs also provide a slightly bohemian appeal.

Patent Slip-on Flats with Ornamental Detail
Patent Slip-on Flats with Ornamental Detail

These shoes are the love-child of trendiness and comfort. Featuring a great padded sole and textured outer sole, these flats are as durable as they are pretty. The ornamental detail is gorgeous - in fact I think White Mountain should have gone a step further and made it an actual brass medallion on the toe, but alas they did not. However, they did make this style available in a variety of colours like cobalt blue and bright yellow, so that should satisfy the trendinista in all of us. For now.

Water-resistant Suede Boots with Ruching
Water-resistant Suede Boots with Ruching

Finally, we have the perennially stylish suede boot. The soft caress of suede is always a welcome touch to the skin and the water-resistance of these boots make it practical to wear on non-sunny days. I love the assertiveness of the slight stiletto heel and the pointed toe, softened by the ruching above. Pair with a flowery sundress for summer, and a slouchy cardigan for fall and you're always good to go!

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Even though at times I think that clutches are a great way to impart your pit smell to your purse, they are also very attractive and irresistible to me. However, attractive bags can give you well, a lot of baggage in the way of crippling financial debt! Does one choose food, lodging, and education, or that perfect Gucci bag? It is a dilemma.

Banana Republic's oversized croc-embossed clutch
Banana Republic's oversized croc-embossed clutch

However, there is an alternate path for those unable to swim in a sea of coins a la Scrooge McDuck in Duck Tales. Take this beautiful oversized clutch from Banana Republic. I seem to have a weakness lately for practical yet hot purses and this clutch shown above is both practical and beautiful. The gorgeous teal peacock colour is a great accent for all seasons and definitely eye-catching in a sea of bland black leathers, plus the size makes it practical as an everyday bag. Lastly, the croc embossing on the bag gives it a luxurious feel for much cheap. As in $130 cheap. Does it get any better than this?

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There are few things more satisfying than a great fitting pair of jeans. Since jeans are such a staple of a well-rounded wardrobe, it is certainly worth it to invest in a pair that will last you through the ages. That means finding a style that fits to your body, whatever shape it may be. A good pair of jeans will lift and tuck where needed, and lengthen and slim where desired. InStyle recently published a great little guide for the perfect jean fit. Whether you're curvy, tall, petite, plus size, or even preggers, they have some handy tips ready to help you in your quest for the perfect jeans. However one downside of all these jean guides is what if you are a mix of multiple categories? What if you are a fatty petite, or a pear shaped giant? Fret not dear readers. Those lame print fashion editors may be too scared to cater to the odd-shaped masses, but I'm not!

Shape #1: Curvy shorty

Miss Me wide-leg denim in Flush

Miss Me wide-leg denim in Flush

In most denim guides, petites are thought of as tiny horizontally and vertically, a la Avril Lavigne. However real women know this just isn't true! There are tons of shorties who are curvy as well. For these women, a dark denim will slim and a slightly flared bottom will balance curvy hips.

Shape #2: too leggy

Levis Capital E low cut slim boot cut denim in Renaissance

Levis Capital E low cut slim boot cut denim in Renaissance

Levis Capital E low cut slim boot cut denim in Renaissance

We all want longer legs, but sometimes one can actually have too much of a good thing! For those with a shorter torso in proportion to their legs, long legs can actually be a disadvantage. Balance yourself out by wearing low-rise, boot-cut denim, which will put the focus on your great gams, while elongating your waist.

Shape #3: too much booty

Chip and Pepper Walk Of Shame denim in Bella Coola

Chip and Pepper Walk Of Shame denim in Bella Coola

As with having too-long legs, sometimes having a generously endowed ass is not always as great as it seems, especially if the rest of you is not in proportion! Minimize booty by wearing denim with straight-edged, or vertical-lined, back pockets that downplay curves. Also utilize low-rise denim and avoid smooth backed denim that will only emphasize, not minimize.

If you have any denim sizing tips, or any sizing questions for your non-categorized shape that haven't been helped here, please leave a comment, or email me!

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It's that time of year ladies. Time to rack up some debt and fill those closets and lingerie drawers because it's time for Victoria's Secret semi-annual sale! I received my catalog last week and spent the next couple hours poring over its pages and giggling like a kid in a candy shop. Sadly, despite the many deals to be had, I denied myself from purchasing anything. However, that should not stop you! The sale has some really great deals to outfit you with anything from panties, bras, and teddies, to shoes and suits. Check out the website for the full listings. I highly recommend ordering online from VS; they ship fast and the site is easy to use and features very detailed sizing charts.

So what's in store??

Miracle bra

How about this romantic little Miracle bra, which guarantees to upgrade you by a full cup size! Highly recommended for us small busted ladies.

Victoria's Secret's 100-way strapless convertible bra

This is the most amazingly useful bra out there. Victoria's Secret's 100-way strapless convertible bra promises to give you support and coverage for whatever crazy get-up you may wear: backless, strapless, halter, racer back, criss-cross, boat neck, plunge, regular, one-shoulder, you name it does it! When you think about it, if you take the number of bras this single bra embodies, it will really only cost you like 3 cents! See, I know my math.

sexy little tube dress

This sexy little tube dress is super versatile, being wearable anywhere from the club to the park. Look at how the model shown is wearing this on what is obviously a summer hike!.

sweet cuff shorts

Jump into the gingham trend with these sweet cuff shorts. Available in a variety of patterns and colors.

one-button blazer jacket

Get career-woman ready with a sleek one-button blazer jacket. This tailored blazer will create instant classic curves and is made with a wrinkle-resistant fabric. Also available in heather gray.

Finally, finish off your shopping with this two-in-one jacket. A great transitioning piece from spring-to-summer, or summer-to-fall, this jacket feature a removable zip-off bottom, smart tailoring, and a cool sateen finish.

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Loreal Paris Dermo-Expertise Futur-e Moisturizer

A great moisturizer will absorb quickly, protect against sun damage, have anti-aging benefits, and leave skin soft and supple. Loreal's Futur-e moisturizer appears to be the holy grail of moisturizers that achieves all these requirements. Futur-e promises to hydrate skin, contains SPF 15, and packs a dose of pure vitamin E to maintain healthy, youthful skin. Vitamin E is a popular anti-oxidant that repairs tissue and cellular damage due to UV rays, pollution, and free radicals making it a popular anti-aging ingredient. Vitamin E is also believed to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and to strengthen the skin's natural moisture loss barrier. Along with vitamin E, this moisturizer also contains beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), which also helps protect against sun damage.

Besides its helpful ingredients, Futur-e does absorb quickly and is fragrance-free. However, those with sensitive skins should test this lotion out on a small patch of skin before integrating it into regular use as it does tingle slightly when first applied, particularly around sensitive skin areas, such as the eyes. The price of the Futur-e is great for its benefits and provided ample moisture all day long. However, the greatest turn-off about this product is its packaging. Moisturizers should come in an easy to dispense bottle and this moisturizer certainly does not. The pump often squirts erratically, and it is hard to get a consistent amount out of the bottle - sometimes you get a little dab and more often you get a shooting squirt. Also, the lotion is a somewhat unattractive yellowish color. The dispensing actions of this moisturizer make the experience of using it very frustrating and unappealing; as such I probably wouldn't buy this product again. Instead, I would recommend the Neutrogena Moisture with SPF 15 which has similar benefits, but a much handier dispenser.

Final Verdict: good price, great ingredients, horrible packaging.

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Sally Hansen Diamond Strength instant nail hardener

Those who say working in retail is easy don't know squat. The desert-like mall air coupled with the constant rubbing of clothes against skin as you endlessly fold and restock items really takes a toll on your hands. In a single shift, my hands can go from soft and perfect, to jagged nails and dried out tips. To counteract these effects, I moisturize thoroughly before and after each shift, as well as occasionally use the lotion we keep in store for such emergencies. However, my nails are left as "open wounds" until I can get home and repair my hangnails. Luckily, I have found a great, cheap, product that has restored my nails' strength!

Sally Hansen's Diamond Strength Instant Nail Hardener is a miracle in a bottle. This simple base coat promises to eliminate splitting, peeling, and cracking by sealing in moisture with its special diamond complex that hardens the nail's surface into an impervious surface! Plus, this thing is cheap! While I seriously doubt there are any real "diamonds" in it, this product did live up to its promise of delivering strong nails in a week. Only one coat is needed to last several days without significant chipping and it dries super fast too. I cannot rave enough about this product, so if you have dried out nails, get out there and get yours now.

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Lancome Tresor Perfume

There are few things more girly than perfume and a perfume that smells of flowers and romance is even girlier. I love perfume, not only for its exotic scents and ability to trigger memories, but also for the perfume bottles themselves. Many perfume bottles are works of art in themselves and perfectly capture the essence of a scent in its cut glass lines.

Currently I am lusting over Lancome's Tresor perfume. With its lush notes of rose, apricot, heliotrope, iris, amber, and sandalwood, this perfume is rich with the scents of a Parisian romance, yet comes off with a light freshness that keeps this scent from being over-powering. Kate Winslet is the face for Tresor and I couldn't think of anyone better to embody this perfume. Kate is luminous in the Tresor ads with her pure white skin and luminous eyes (so jealous) and of course we all know Kate can do romance - hello, remember Titantic and Sense & Sensibility anyone? Together Kate and Tresor make up a perfect combination of class, beauty, and romance that is as sweepingly gorgeous as a good English romance novel.

Doesn't this just make you want to go put on a corset dress and go running through some cobblestoned streets? I know I do!

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ostentation \os-ten-TAY-shuhn\, noun: Excessive or pretentious display; boastful showiness.

This style word of the day brought to mind of a woman who is trying to impress. She has money and assets and she wants to show them off! To me, that means a look that's sexy, luxurious, and excessive in every way. What came to my mind when thinking of a woman with that kind of confidence, made me immediately think of one thing.

A cougar

If you don't know, a cougar is defined as an older woman who has a taste for younger men. One might even say that these younger men are their prey. A women of such a description would likely have money and I imagine, a killer sense of style. Oh, the innuendos. Anyways, let us deconstruct the outfit!

First is the dress. Of course I had to use leopard-skin being as there's no cougar-skin prints out there. I like this dress because it hugs every curve and the feel of satin against your skin is just fabric sex.

To accessorize properly with such a dress, one needs major shine and the best shine of course is gold. I love the simplicity of these twisted hoop earrings by Argento Vivo that give a sense of softness and don't distract from the face. The jet ring by KJL evokes power and comes in an over-the-top size. The large size of the ring is balanced by wearing the CC Skye braided double mesh bracelet; the design is unique and the heaviness of the gold also serves as a counterpoint to the ring.

On the feet, we have the gorgeous Gillian metallic leather, 4.5" stilettos by L.A.M.B. Oh my god these shoes literally made me drool. Though probably about as comfortable as getting a bikini wax by someone you knew back in high school, these shoes are the definition of pain as pleasure. Wearing these, I would feel like a true sexual diva and really, isn't walking overrated - with shoes like these, one can draw the men in while simply striking a confident pose by the bar.

Lastly this look really needed something ostentatious, something ridiculously expensive. The solution of course, was a handbag and this one by Fendi fits the bill. This patent leather baguette is a luxury item at its $1680 price and it fits the criteria of sexiness and boastfulness. One doesn't buy a Fendi bag like this if they don't want to show it off! Made of black patent leather, this bag has a removable shoulder strap and polished gold hardware. The purse is designed with simple lines, but it features the Fendi logo everything in its hardware.

Altogether I would definitely say that if I saw the woman wearing this, I would think that she had something to show off, but that she was trying perhaps a little too hard at it. Pity the men who fall unwittingly into her path!

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Knit Dresses From The Runway to the streets

A great trend this season among models is the knit dress. The knit dress is awesome simply because of its comfortableness and its versatility. You can go classic preppy with a knit dress and a demurely crisp button-down shirt, or ruffled blouse; or you can go for modern street-style by mixing up the color combinations and adding funky accessories, like a brightly colored belt; or go boho-chic with a slouchy cardigan on top and a too-cool beret.

Runway

Here, we can see the model above posing in her knit dress with a pair of great suede boots and black tights. Anyone want to guess how much her outfit cost? Exactly. Don't despair though! This look is super-easy to pull together for the normal woman. Now, let's take a look at some real world options:

Real Way

Color blocking is big this season. I love the modern, architectural look of colour blocking. It takes any outfit and gives it a sexy urban edge. This Theory 'Audrey - Amorino' dress above is a great example of taking basic colors like black and grey and mixing it up in a sophisticated way. This dress segues perfectly from the office to the bar AND features pockets, which if you don't know, is one of my favourite things.

So now I bet you're thinking, then first example of a knit dress with colour blocking was classy, but what if you're more daring? Then this Cynthia Steffe Colorblock Dress is for you! The hot fushcia colour of this dress is daring and the bateau neckline will elongate you and make you appear more graceful. At first glances, I didn't like how the blocking on this dress was so unbalanced, but its asymmetry has really grown on me! This dress just screams "yeah I just went to another cool art gallery party, see how bored I am with hanging out with muscians and artists?"

If colour blocking is too trendy, then this great little two piece jumper from AsiaJam is perfect for you. Playful and versatile, this dress may be layered with whatever strikes your fancy: think sweet little blouses in spring and summer, and cropped cardigans with chunky necklaces in the winter. Sadly, the belt is sold separately with this outfit, but see how it is a perfect example of how to accessorize? I love this dress the best and am already thinking of pairing it with my white wool legwarmers and flats.

Finally, we have this cute plaid jumper from Gentle Fawn. This wool dress keeps it classic with dark off-white plaid, but adds some sweetness with its lace-trimmed pockets and button patch pockets.

While the Gentle Fawn and AsiaJam dress can be worn alone, you will probably want to layer the dresses with a shirt while the weather is still a tad crisp, or you don't really like your lady-lumps hanging out too much. Pictured above, these shirts from Forever21 offer some great options. If you are going for a plain white shirt, try to pick one with interesting details, like pleats, or an exuberant bow collar - details like these keep your outfit from just being stuffy and make it youthful. Otherwise, experiment with different materials like satin, or go for a more casual look by pairing your knit dress with a striped tee, like the Basic Stripe tee shown above.

Knit dresses by themselves can be boring and wallflower, but with the aid of accessories and colour, a knit dress can become ultra-fashionable. Whatever your style, this key item can be worn with attitude by anyone, from a model to you on the street.

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Chic Laptop Bags-1

Laptops are ugly. Face it, it's true. Except for MacBooks and Sony Vaio's, most laptops are very utilitarian and boring. It's not the laptop manufacturers fault, they are just trying to market to everyone, but it does seem like laptops are designed by someone who doesn't care a whit about style (namely, a computer geek). Laptop bags are even worse. Look around your local computer store and you will see bags made of ugly scratchy nylons, with big loopy straps that cut into your shoulders and that are heavy and huge. What fashionista wants to be seen with one of those?! Luckily there are retailers like Career Handbags out there that give poor girls like me some hope.

The Picks

Chic Laptop Bags-2

The most minimal option is to forgo an ugly laptop bag in the first place and opt for a chic laptop sleeve instead. These often come in more stylish options than bags, such as these Melissa Beth Velour Funk-tional compartment laptop sleeves. These sleeves feature a cozy velour exterior and padded interior made of stain-resistant fabrics, and come in a variety of retro-chic patterns. I preferred the Dusty Pink and Passion Purple versions, but if you're looking for a version with longevity, then the Midnight Black is a better, more adult, bet. You don't want to enter the board room with a light pink laptop sleeve in front of all the big bosses!

Chic Laptop Bags-2

If you're looking for something slim and light, but larger than just a laptop sleeve, then this Knomo Slim laptop case is for you. At just 0.8 lbs, this bag is light enough for even the feeblest to carry and small enough to fit easily into a larger bag. Made with leather and nylon, the Slim also features a retractable handle and can easily fit a 15" laptop. The Slim comes in a variety of colours but I feature the two I like best here: the taupe is soothing and professional, while the yellow is youthful and modern. Choose the one that suits you best.

This gorgeous baby is the Knomo Una Laptop tote and it is certainly the most urban trendy of the offerings shown here. I think this purse, er, bag would be perfect for the young, urban working professional, or the chic university student. I love the quilting and the white leather trim on this bag. Knomo bags are also simply awesome because they come with a 2-year quality guarantee and feature a high-tech tracking system if you should happen to (gasp!) lose this beautiful bag, or I should happen to steal it from you.

I really love this bag and was very tempted to buy it! The only thing stopping me was my upcoming summer tuition fees and new prescription glasses - so tragic! This JoJo bag in Amy Light Brown really reminds me of a Coach purse, but without that annoying Coach logo so I automatically like it that much better. The bag comes with an attachable shoulder strap and can hold a 17" laptop, as well as all your other miscellaneous things, including your lunch! Plus, at $99 this bag is such a steal. I am so torn.

For the classic style lovers out there, this Clark & Mayfield bag boasts real Italian leather, a faux suede interior lining, metal feet, and a zippered top with ample room for a 15" laptop, with space left over for papers, notebooks, and handy pockets for your cell phone, pens, and business cards.

An Excuse for Shopping

No longer are you condemned to wearing an ugly bag to lug around your dailies between home, work, or school - now you can have a handbag that is stylish and useful! Sure beats those strange super-clutches out there. How do you even carry those behemoths gracefully?! Looking at these bags above really make me want to go striding out there with my chic laptop bag and a hot power suit straight from the 80s - now that's real girl-power!

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Supposedly summer is coming. Here on the beautiful BC west coast, we have been having the strangest weather lately: sun, hail, snow, rain, then sun again in a single day! When oh when will summer come with its long, languid days of sunshine?? For now, we wait, and until then, one can think about what to wear in those hot sunny days. My personal belief is that summer calls for some new summer shoes! Since I don't really like a lot of guys' sandals, I thought instead of looking for some stylish sneakers instead! Unlike sandals, sneakers can be worn all year long, though ideally in summer when there isn't so much rain or snow to muck them up.

In particular, I will be answering with this post a way past overdue question by a buddy of mine who was looking for new shoes that were hot, yet not punishing on the wallet.

Timberland Urban Jardim

My first pick are these casual-cool Timberland Urban Jardim slip-ons in Parchment. The colors are fresh and neutral, meaning you can wear them with anything boys! Plus slip-ons are great for wearing to the beach; just kick them off and dig your little toes in the sand.

Polo Ralph Lauren shoes

If you're more into a classic-preppy look, then these Polo Ralph Lauren shoes are perfect for you. Nothing is more classic sneaker than a black sneaker with white laces - and the Ralph Lauren logo on the sides just ups that prepster feel. However, if black is not your thing, then these shoes also come in a whole bunch of colors ranging from white to orange!

GV Special Gold Rush

Puma always has great options for men's shoes and these GV Special Gold Rush shoes do not disappoint. The style is classic, yet funky with its swathe of gold and bright green suede toes and laces. These shoes are versatile too, going with everything from dark denim jeans, to khaki shorts, and from school to the club.

El Rey Sex Pistols slide-ons

Another great option from Puma are these El Rey Sex Pistols slide-ons. These shoes have a little rock n' roll/emo style to them I think, which would be perfect for those summer outdoor concerts, or an afternoon drinking beers on a bar patio.

Court Pump Victory Retros by Reebok

If you're into bright colorful sneakers like I am, these Court Pump Victory Retros by Reebok are just right for you. The bright yellows, greens, and blues of these shoes just scream summer and the retro design make them even funner.

Evisu Shoes

I love love love these shoes by Evisu! I really envy men for having such unique stylistic options in their footwear - you just don't get shoes like these in the women's section! These shoes feature the Evisu logo on the side with printed Buddha faces on the back heel, interior, and as a gold colored tag dangling from the shoe. Nobody has shoes like these babies.

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Commitment: not just for those you date

Lately I've been asking myself the question of how much commitment do you have, not just to your significant other, but to your friends? For myself, as well as for many others out there, friendships are one of the most important things in my life, for without your friends, what joy would there be in living? Life cannot be fully lived in solitude - so much of the richness of our experiences and emotions comes from our personal relationships; however, it would seem that not all theseexperiences are good. At times, friendships can require as much maintenance as a romantic relationship.

A certain amount of maintenance is expected in a romantic relationship. If you wish to be that close to another person, of course you will have to pay that much more attention to their needs and feelings. Friends however, don't usually have such an intense relationship and there is a more forgiving leeway to basically "cut each other some slack". Friends don't get upset if another friend doesn't call the other back within an hour, or when a friend bails on them for their latest booty call. If these instances are not common occurrences, then friends should shrug and move on, knowing that they too will someday likely do the same to their friend. I have had friends ditch me at times to hang out with their boyfriend/girlfriend after making plans, and while it was an annoyance, so long as they didn't do it repeatedly, I got over it. However, lately I have noticed that some people are much more touchy regarding "faux pas" such as this. In my own experiences this would have to do with returning phone calls. Firstly, I would like to apologize and acknowledge that yes, it is annoying to not have someone return your call, but the calls in question were 1) not phone calls, but text messages 2) were returned within a 24 hour period, despite my phone dying from lack of power and 3) did not seem to be of an urgent matter. Perhaps people have gotten too used to me answering my phone on the first ring like a loser, but I have a life too people! Plus I was out of town at the time!

Nonetheless, you would be mistaken at thinking that I advocate ditching one's friends at any moment and basically being careless with their feelings. If you have made concrete plans with friends, i.e. mutually agreeing to do a certain activity at a certain time and place, then you should certainly show up. However, in that huge gray expanse between booking time together and actually saying "yes I'll be there" is a whole obstacle course of perceived snubbings. I am beginning to hate hearing or saying the phrase "I'll call you to make/confirm plans." That is a loaded gun!! Within that supposedly harmless phrase, there lurks hidden expectations by one party that plans have been made, and by the other thinking that nothing is set in stone and between that is the gray expanse of perceived snubbings. From now on, both parties should simply commit to either being there or not, because why do we all feel the need to call each other at the last minute when we've already got a hold of each other and could just make the plans right then? Perhaps we are such a commitment-phobic society that we are all making each other one's "back-up plans" in the hopes of something better coming along. As in relationships, what usually happens is that "something better" doesn't appear and the thing we've got gets fed up and ditches you. So here is the solution I plead for myself and everyone else to follow: make your plans when you're talking about them, and forget the "oh I'll get back to you" crap. If you're unsure what you will be doing in the near future, then make that clear up front! And for those who get all riled up when the other person bails on you, don't see it as them bailing because really you never did get them to commit anyway, so suck it up and realize you have or will probably do the same to them. Oh, and while you're at it, realize that the universe does not revolve around you and that life is too short to be upset, or to damage friendships over something so small.

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